Circular Economy & Plastics
In Scotland, we currently consume as if we had three planets available to produce the resources we use and absorb the waste we create.
Scotland’s material consumption accounts for 82% of our entire carbon footprint.
Moving to a circular economy – one in which materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible, will reduce our material demands and is key to meeting our climate commitments.
In order to move towards a circular economy, major changes to the way we make products and consume resources will need to be made, bringing economic opportunities and innovation.
Consuming the planet
Over-consumption by the wealthy few is pushing our whole planet to breaking point. Rich-nation economies like Scotland are built on the idea of unlimited growth, forcing consumption levels that are driving the climate crisis.
We need our leaders to make decisions on the basis that consumption must have limits, so that we can play a vital role in the road to social and environmental justice.
A better economy
Research has shown it is possible to live a high quality life on a sustainable level of material consumption of about eight tonnes per person per year. Scotland’s material footprint is currently more than double this figure.
Keeping materials circulating in our economy for as long as possible would reduce the burden on the countries where materials are sourced, often through dangerous practises, and reduce the waste that is disposed of with harmful processes like incineration.
What we are doing
- Putting pressure on the Scottish Government to include robust carbon footprint and material reduction targets in the Circular Economy Bill
- Building public awareness and understanding of the need for a circular economy
- Influencing decision makers to stop harmful waste disposal practices
- Engaging communities in the fight against new incinerators in their area.
Stopping incineration
Incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn. They also make it more difficult to ensure potentially recyclable material is not wasted instead. We've achieved a moratorium on incineration which is a vital first step, but it must now be backed up with a planned phase out of existing incinerators.
Learn moreScotland has the materials, skills and demand to make this circular narrative a reality. We need a government willing to take bold steps towards a circular economy.
Kim Pratt, Circular Economy Campaigner
Recent successes
- The Scottish Government has put a moratorium on new incinerators and is conducting a review into the future of these polluting installations
- A bottle deposit return scheme for Scotland will be implemented next year with the potential to significantly reduce our amount of waste
- The Scottish Government has banned a range of single-use plastic items, including plastic cutlery, plates, straws and expanded polystyrene food containers and cups.
Latest Blogs
Incredible outfits shine a light on Scotland’s overconsumption
We put on a fashion show with outfits made from discarded materials to call on MSPs to support a circular economy.
Circular economy: peaks, valleys and progress in 2023
This has been a year of highs and lows for the circular economy campaigns. Catch up on what’s been happening.
Tips to cut your consumption this Christmas
In this guide, we’ll explore practical and meaningful ways to cut your consumption during the festive season, without losing out on any Christmas cheer.
Latest Press Releases
Committee backs call for consumption targets
The Net Zero, Energy and Transport committee has recommended that the Scottish Government introduces mandatory targets to reduce consumption.
Parliament fashion show highlights need for a circular economy
Climate and sustainability groups from across Scotland staged a fashion show of upcycled outfits outside the Scottish Parliament to call on MSPs to support the Circular Economy Bill that’s being debated soon.
Action demanded to fix climate blind spot
Climate campaigners are demanding that the new Circular Economy Bill fixes a huge “climate blind spot” by addressing the emissions from goods made overseas but consumed in Scotland.
Resources
Response to the 2030 Waste Route Map consultation
Circular Economy Bill – consultation response
Circular Economy Bill briefing
Annual Review 2022-2023
Unearthing Injustice: A global approach to transition materials
Circular economy organisers pack
Plastic Pollution
Plastic is a major contributor to climate change. The more plastic we make, the more greenhouse gas emissions we release into the atmosphere. As long as we continue to make plastic from fossil fuels (which makes up 90% of plastic in the EU) then we will continue to support the oil and gas industry, adding further fuel to the global climate crisis.
Learn moreReport: Circular Economy in action around the world - lessons for Scotland
This report highlights case studies of the circular economy in action around the world, divided into themes from food systems to the built environment and electronics. These are compared to Scotland’s position, indicating where progress can be made.
Read NowIncineration
Incineration capacity in Scotland is set to increase to burn at least an extra one million tonnes of waste a year, which raises serious environmental concerns and creates a barrier to moving to a circular economy.
Find out moreHelp make more impact
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